How to Find Vehicle Surveillance Threats to Your Privacy

In today's high-tech and security driven environment, tracking devices and even cellular phones can be used as vehicle tracking tools. Some tracking devices are small and can be easily hidden. Protecting one's vehicle from potential threats of technical surveillance or monitoring devices requires systematically searching the vehicle to discover any hidden devices. In addition, knowledge of which types of devices might be deployed as tracking devices will prove invaluable. The most common types of technical vehicle surveillance devices deployed are GPS Trackers. GPS tracking devices are high-tech devices designed to track or monitor the movement of a vehicle. Some GPS tracking systems are designed to track company fleet vehicles and provide valuable fuel consumption data consumption which can be used to reduce high fuel cost. Other types of GPS trackers, using same basic functions, can be placed covertly and hidden inside a target vehicle. Once installed the GPS tracker can relay accurate tracking information on where the vehicle is or has traveled via SMS text or in real-time to a terminal computer. The computer system visually displays the GPS information detailing where the vehicle has traveled. GPS tracking devices can also store tracking data obtained for later retrieval and analysis. The information collected is very specific and can be used to determine how the target vehicle was driven by specifying how fast or how slow the vehicle was driven. This type of information can aid a surveillance team later when actively following the target vehicle, given GPS tracking data acquired indicating how and where the vehicle was driven.

GPS trackers also have a feature called GEO fencing which sends an alert if the vehicle leaves a specific targeted area. GPS Geo fencing is a powerful surveillance tool which allows the user to contain and monitor the target within a specific area without taking any action unless the target leaves the area.

In addition to GPS trackers, various wireless radio frequency transmitters can be deployed. These technical surveillance devices are small and can be easily concealed on a target vehicle to monitor and record conversations inside the vehicle. Radio frequency transmitters have a limited range between 300 meters – 1,500 meters. Therefore, a surveillance team must be on location or actively following the target vehicle. Reflective tape is another type of tracking product used to track a target vehicle. The tape is composed of special reflective materials used to tag a target vehicle. Once a target vehicle is tagged an infrared laser beam is used to track the target vehicle day or night. Also, certain chemicals compounds can be applied to a target vehicle, which are undetectable by the naked-eye. The chemical compound has reflective properties allowing an infrared laser beam source to target or track the vehicle. Though undetectable, a regular car wash will neutralize the threat. To perform an inspection for vehicle surveillance devices systemically search the vehicle as follows: • Look underneath the vehicle and search for suspicious devices attached • Look under and examine bumpers of the vehicle both front and back • Look under the vehicle license plates both front and back • Look inside the tail pipe • Check for any kind of tape placed on the vehicle • Lift the hood and check the engine compartment for any technical surveillance devices • Check inside the vehicle under all seats • Check the roof and glove compartments • Check inside the trunk paying close attentions to wires or lines which may indicate hidden compartments A regular and careful search will lend adequate protection against possible technical vehicle surveillance threats. However, this procedure requires time, practice and knowledge of surveillance devices used. Some technical spying devices can be placed on a target vehicle by an auto mechanic conducting a supposed routine vehicle check. A mechanic could be commissioned or recruited by a surveillance team. The mechanic could potentially place surveillance devices inside the vehicle which cannot be easily found. If technical surveillance threats are suspected,anyone having access to the vehicle in question could be a potential threat. To protect against potential technical surveillance threats parked the vehicle in a controlled area with limited access. If possible, an electronic perimeter system should be setup which would alert the owner should anyone try to gain access the vehicle. There are several other electronic means of protecting a vehicle against surveillance threats or attempts. However, systematically searching the vehicle regularly would yield the best protection against possible technical vehicle surveillance threats. Technical surveillance gear is often used legitimately by fleet companies like, cab companies, courier and limousine companies to monitor and control how company vehicles are being used. However, same technical devices can be deployed for active surveillance or clandestine reasons. Understanding the basic types of vehicle tracking devices and use can help significantly to limit the potential of vehicle surveillance threats.